Why choose Special Education at USF? (pdf)

The B.S. in Special Education program is designed to prepare students to work with children who have emotional and behavioral disorders, mental retardation, and specific learning disabilities. Graduates receive a B.S. in Special Education and are eligible for certification in Exceptional Student Education (grades K-12) with English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement from the State of Florida.

The program effectively combines coursework and extensive field experiences in the special education classroom setting (K-12) to enable students to integrate theory with teaching practice. Throughout this web-enhanced program, students are provided with opportunities to work with excellent school district ESE staff to fully support student preparation to enter the field in local communities.  Paraprofessionals also receive integrated support as they work to become special education teachers.

Coursework to achieve Florida State endorsement in severe disabilities and in autism may also be taken. Contact Cari Barber for details.

USF Sarasota-Manatee's program offers upper-division courses and the majority of our students complete the freshman and sophomore years of the program at local community colleges. Students attending a Florida public community college should complete the Associate of Arts degree and state-mandated program prerequisites as part of the A.A. coursework.

The Cohort
This program is designed as a part-time cohort program beginning each fall semester. This allows students to take courses together in a planned sequence. Cohorts facilitate optimum learning and timely completion of the program. Such structure also allows students to form a strong network with fellow students.

Program Completion
Students complete the program through part-time attendance over eight (8) semesters. During the final semester of the program the student will need to participate in a full-time schedule while completing the full-time internship in a school.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY:
TEACH Grant Program (Federal)

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.

Academic Advisors
Justin Selph or Jennifer Infanti
Undergraduate COEDU Advisors
Student Services
(941) 359-4330
Location: C107
Online appointment scheduler